Alfred J. Klein

Alfred “Al” J. Klein, 58, died August 3, at home, after a two-year valiant fight with brain cancer. He was born November 24, 1953, in the Bronx, to Ingeborg and Herbert Klein. Mr Klein had been a resident of Newtown since 1987.

He received his undergraduate degree from SUNY Binghamton, and was a graduate of New York University’s Stern School of Business, where he received a master of business administration degree in 1982.

Mr Klein was a highly respected marketing executive who spent more than 18 years at PepsiCo where his impact was felt in consumer research, new product innovations, and market strategy. He used his corporate experience to successfully transition to TracyLocke, a national promotional agency, where he was a key player in new business development. In addition, he was a founding partner of Ozz, a marketing consultancy that worked with top brands such as Wendy’s and Pepsi. He unleashed his entrepreneurial spirit by starting his own company, Higher Ground, in January 2010. Whether he was on the corporate or agency side, it was important to him to strive to tie marketing insights to business results.

Mr Klein was an avid New York sports fan who followed the Red Storm, Yankees, and Knicks, as well as the Giants and Jets. He was a loyal listener to WFAN for many years.

He loved music and was a self-taught guitarist. Over the years, he took lessons periodically and performed with friends as well. He was also fascinated with pop culture and the John F. Kennedy assassination.

Most importantly, Mr Klein directed his passion toward his family and friends. Whether it was their academic, professional, or sports accomplishments, he could not have been any prouder of Allie and Michael.

Mr Klein was a longtime member of Adath Israel.

His beloved wife, Karen; daughter, Allison; son, Michael; and his extended family, which includes several cousins, nieces, and nephews, survive Mr Klein.

Funeral services took place August 6.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Yankees Universe Fund, a joint program between the NY Yankees and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, supporting the center’s programs in pediatric care, research, and education. Contributions can be made on the MSKCC website www.mskcc.org or mailed to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 27106, Support of Yankees Universe Fund, New York NY 10087.

The Newtown Bee        August 10, 2012